The Kathy Pace Technology scholarship is an opportunity presented by Centre Technologies commemorating the late Kathy Pace, mother of CEO and Founder, Chris Pace. She firmly believed in supporting the community and continuing education. This scholarship opportunity is awarded to individuals in the technology field who possess compassion, drive, and a commitment to enhancing technology to improve the world. This year, our Kathy Pace Scholarship recipient was University of Oklahoma freshman and Oklahoma-native, Giorgio Dunn. We sat down with him to discuss where he's at today and where he wants to be in the future.
What school are you currently attending and what are you studying?
Giorgio: I'm currently a freshman at the University of Oklahoma and I'm studying Computer Science with the goal to get into the tech field - specifically cybersecurity.
What are you most excited for on campus?
Giorgio: My mom, dad, and 2 sisters all went to OU so it's always felt like home. I'm excited for the sports and big game days but also making connections and just talking to people. There are so many people on campus and after going to a small high school where I knew everybody, I'm excited to talk to new people everyday.
If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Giorgio: Definitely Michael Jackson. I love his music and I feel like I have so many questions for him. Every interview I saw he never really got personal, he just gave like the "media answer." I'd like to get to know him personally - that would be so cool!
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Chris Pace congratulating Giorgio Dunn on a Microsoft Teams virtual meeting. |
What inspired you to pursue a career in that technology field? Why are you passionate about technology specifically?
Giorgio: My mom was a big inspiration for me. I've always loved technology. I used to want to disable security systems and she saw that and got me into security and science stuff. I have 11 siblings and she made sure we all went into different fields because she saw the ways we were different and pushed us in those areas. She was like, "you're the one to do technology because you're a nerd." She was right.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Giorgio: Obviously I see myself out of college, but I want to be in the technology field. I don't want to be trying to look for a job so hopefully working for a tech company or any company that deals with IT. I've always wanted to work for Sony but Centre is growing on me too!
What will you be able to do now that you could not prior to receiving the Kathy Pace Scholarship?
Giorgio: I don't have worry about tuition this semester. I can focus strictly on my studies and not have to worry about getting a job my first semester of college. Then I can focus on getting my grades up and then once I'm in the rhythm of college, I'll work on getting a job without stressing out and stuff like that.
Any advice you have for those aspiring to get into the field of technology?
Giorgio: I would say technology is a wide field that you can find something you love in, even if you're not considered a "geek" or tech type person. So just find something you love, because if you don't, technology can get overwhelming and it be a lot on a person, especially in you're not into it. You'll want to learn more and that love will grow if you start with something you're interested in.
One of the requirements of the scholarship is to demonstrate how you plan to contribute to the next generation of technology professionals. We maintain you need to possess the compassion and commitment to use technology as a tool to improve the world we live in. With these characteristics and technology, how do you plan to change or improve the world we live in?
Giorgio: I recently found out that when I graduate, I'll be one of 200 Native Americans in the world with an IT degree. Also, I did a little more research and found out only 1-2 people in my tribe have an IT degree out of thousands. So I'm planning on going back and providing for them and just hopefully inspiring kids to get into a growing field that could improve our community, but especially our tribe. My biggest goal is I think it would be cool to go back and support them.
Any additional thoughts or information you want to share with our Centre #ONETEAM and blog audiences?
Giorgio: It's an honor to be selected for this scholarship. To be chosen out of the hundred of applicants is just awesome. I'm happy to meet y'all amazing people at Centre as well!
We look forward to seeing Giorgio innovate and revolutionize the future of technology. But for now, we wish them continued success in their educational endeavors.
If you or someone you know would be interested in the Kathy Pace scholarship program, keep any eye out for next year's scholarship window. You can visit the Kathy Pace Scholarship webpage for more information on how to apply next year!
